Reintroduction of the Grey Partridge in the continental part of Croatia

Description

On the hunting ground IV/107 “DRAGANIĆI”, two Grey Partridge released models were tested. Released partridges were marked with colored rings (every covey different ring color) and transmitters. Partridge tracking has been done 3 – 4 times per week. In Lazinsko polje plot partridges were found at 297 locations and at 224 locations in the Pentrišćak plot. Daubenmire method was used to estimate canopy cover and composition by canopy cover preferred by Grey Partridges and Robel pole visual obstruction method was used to estimate vegetation height on each location where partridges were found. Home range was defined with 95% Minimum Convex Polygon and span of range was defined as the maximum diagonal dimension of a polygon. Tracking time was divided at 4 periods. During the observation period partridges on both plots have been using 6 habitat types with preferabiity of habitat type with European dewberry (Rubus caesius) on both plots. Final results showed that habitats in Continental Croatia have excellent conditions for Grey Partridge revitalization. Even without predator control is possible to get successful spring pairs in case if older and properly adopted partridges were released during the summer – autumn releasing.

Falconers and hunters have been regulary helping in tracking and observing Grey Partridges.

Results

I got pairs with young Grey Partridges.

Location

Country

Croatia

Level

Regional

Site

Draganici, Karlovac county

Region

Karlovac county

Starting date

2014

Habitat Types

Farmland, Scrub/Grassland

Protection status of the areas

Hunting reserve

Species

Species Caracteristics

Huntable species

Species Type

Birds

Name(s) of main species

"Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix) "

Conservation action(s)

Management of habitats and wildlife (e.g. conservation and restoration activities)